Scaling Solar: Keeley's CivDot+ Story

Keeley Construction, a leader in civil infrastructure, was ready to scale up their operations to take on larger solar farm projects. But with scale came challenges—how could they maintain precision while drastically increasing output? Traditional surveying methods were too slow and labor-intensive for the massive scale they were now tackling. Keeley needed a breakthrough, and they found it with CivDot+.

Challenges:

Entering the realm of large-scale solar farms, Keeley Construction quickly realized that their tried-and-true methods wouldn’t cut it. Previously, their teams had relied on GNSS rovers, with surveyors manually staking out each point—an approach that worked for smaller projects but became a bottleneck on vast 300-acre sites with tens of thousands of points to mark. The physical demands on the crew, combined with the extended duration of these tasks, threatened to slow progress and inflate costs.

Solution:

Keeley’s search for a more efficient solution led them to CivDot+, an advanced robotic surveying technology from Civ Robotics. With CivDot+, the game changed. What once required multiple crews working long hours could now be achieved by a single operator with a CivDot+ unit. The team saw their productivity skyrocket—marking up to 1,200 points per day, more than doubling their previous output. This automation not only sped up the process but also reduced the physical toll on their crew.

Cost Savings:

The impact of CivDot+ on Keeley’s bottom line was immediate and profound. By slashing the duration of surveying tasks by 50 percent, Keeley realized significant cost savings. The effective gains were so impressive that they ordered a second CivDot+ unit during the initial training phase to support another project. Additionally, the ability to complete work faster meant less exposure to weather-related delays, ensuring projects stayed on schedule, and resources were used more efficiently.

Increased Productivity:

The adoption of CivDot+ didn’t just boost productivity—it transformed Keeley’s entire approach to surveying. The robot’s efficiency allowed Keeley to optimize their workforce, focusing human resources on higher-value tasks. The ease of use and reduced manual labor meant that the team could push through challenging conditions with less fatigue, increasing morale and output. With CivDot+, what used to be a demanding, all-day job was streamlined into a smooth, efficient process that empowered Keeley to take on more projects without the need for additional hires.

What truly sets this case apart is the relationship between Keeley Construction and Civ Robotics. From the moment they reached out, Keeley knew they weren’t just buying a product—they were gaining a partner. Even when challenges arose, Civ Robotics’ commitment to customer service shone through. Whether it was on-site support or quick responses to any hiccups, the Civ Robotics team was there, ensuring Keeley’s success every step of the way. It’s this dedication to partnership that convinced Keeley to invest in a second CivDot+ unit, confident that they were backed by a team as committed to excellence as they were.